Social exchange is in the game: Communication and resource flow in a Xbox gaming clan

William T. Howe, Sun Kyong Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the international social network of a bounded Battlefield 4 gaming clan considering social exchange theory. We found that more central members of the clan contributed more time and money to the clan than others. In addition, central members of this clan revived other members in-game more often. This study extends social exchange theory from face-to-face interaction to the virtual world, by showing communicative factors that influence online gaming networks, and to game studies by offering results applicable to online gaming clans. This study also shows how gamers engage in various social exchanges and earn central positions within the network in return for their investment of time, money, and communication.

Original languageEnglish
Article number3
JournalFirst Monday
Volume23
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© First Monday.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Networks and Communications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Social exchange is in the game: Communication and resource flow in a Xbox gaming clan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this